When I was 9 I told my Mom “Mom, I am going to the University of Washington and I am going to major in architecture”.
Well, one of those two things happened. I did end up going to the University of Washington. I did not end up majoring in architecture.
While I still enjoy gazing at the wonders of buildings, and I also found The Fountainhead to be a favorite read, I did not enjoy constructing balsa wood chairs, nor did I have a head for figures or a spirit for late nights alone visualizing single-dimension lines weaving into complex structures.
What I did discover was Spanish. Spanish was always going to be my minor, but when I forgot about line drawing and number crunching, I let language take lead and Spanish became my major. What that meant was a requirement to study abroad. Oh, shoot. Such a bummer, right? Fortunately, I was able to take advantage of my financial aid awards and leverage them for my study abroad experience. That semester in Granada, Spain changed my life.
I graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish.
Next month I will graduate with a Master’s of Arts in Spanish.
In 2024 I will graduate with a Doctorate of Philosophy, in Hispanic Linguistics, and people will need to begin calling me Dr. Jones. 
Oh, wait, what’s that you say? Yes, I will finally be embarking on my endeavor to earn a PhD. My grandfather calls it a Fudd. He thinks that’s funny.
Where am I going?
Well, not here-
Or here-
Or here-
But people will need to call me Dr. Jones when I graduate from….
…here!
The University of California in Davis
About 10 years ago my friend gave me a genuine leather, authentic Indiana Jones hat. Once I get my PhD I am going to get a whip, and hang them both in my office.
Of course, my new bear, “Almost Dr. Jones” will be accompanying me on this new adventure.
Saturday, May 18th, 2019
I cannot describe the immense feeling of pride I felt during these days of Graduation. I have never felt more proud to be a Billiken than in these beautiful moments of fanfare, heart warming stories and speeches, moving music, and the plethora of powerful names being announced, as proud and intelligent sons and daughters of SLU marched across the stage. 💙
🙏 It would take me ages to list out the names of people to whom I am forever grateful for helping support me on this journey, so instead I send out radiating vibes of love, gratitude, prayer for to these amazing people! I do work hard, but nothing is done without teamwork, and I bow my head on gratitude for all the ladies, the men, the students, the baristas, the wine severs, the Google, and the man upstairs for helping me arrive to where I am, and to where I am going.
T.ogether
E.veryone
A.chieves
M.ore
I will only wave ‘Hasta Luego‘ to you SLU, and not ‘Adios‘, as this is not good-bye, but rather a see you later!
Jonesy's Journey 